Simple syrup question
We make a lot of cocktails around here, so I have several simple syrups in the fridge such as honey, ginger, plain sugar, etc. Since we have been a a margarita kick this summer, we have not used them. Some syrups are past one month in age. Can I still use them? Most sources say to store for 1 month, but since it's just sugar & water, is the one month timeframe a quality thing or a safety thing? They smell fine and I hate to discard.
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This issue, in slightly different guise, came up earlier today. Discussion here:
http://www.food52.com/hotline/14001-must-cream-cheese-frosted-cupcakes-be-put-in-fridge
Time per se isn't a factor; the enemy is mold which should be obvious visually if present. Absent contamination, simple syrup can go for years without an issue.
For what it's worth, once you add something other than sugar, it's no longer a simple syrup.